2022 Sport Auto UHP, UUHP and Semi Slick Tire Test

Dry BrakingContinental SportContact 7: 33.5 MPirelli P Zero Trofeo R: 36 M
Dry HandlingPirelli P Zero Trofeo R: 135 Km/HFalken Azenis FK510: 126.9 Km/H
Wet BrakingContinental SportContact 7: 27.5 MNankang AR 1: 41.1 M
Wet HandlingBridgestone Potenza Sport: 90 Km/HNankang AR 1: 70.6 Km/H
Wet CircleBridgestone Potenza Sport: 7.34 m/sNankang AR 1: 6.1 m/s
Straight AquaMichelin Pilot Sport 4: 70 Km/HNankang AR 1: 54.3 Km/H
Curved AquaplaningHankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129: 2.3 m/sec2Nankang AR 1: 1.7 m/sec2
NoisePirelli P Zero PZ4: 67.9 dBBridgestone Potenza Sport: 70.4 dB
PriceFalken Azenis FK510: 139 Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect: 284
Rolling ResistanceContinental SportContact 7: 8.4 kg / tPirelli P Zero Trofeo R: 10.2 kg / t
For summer 2022, Sport Auto tested four sets of UHP tires, three sets of UUHP and three semi set of slick track day tires, all in the popular 235/35 R19 size! This is of course very interesting, and in parts a little confusing! 

As the Tire Reviews database doesn't yet have the ability to deal with different types of tires in the same test gracefully, we'll run over the results below before presenting all the data.

UHP

Sport Auto classify the new Continental SportContact 7 as a UHP tire, not a UUHP tire, putting it against the Michelin Pilot Sport 4, not the 4S (which was also missing from this test.) After testing the SportContact 7 in our own UUHP test we're not sure we agree with the category, but we do agree with the result - the Continental SportContact 7 convincingly won the category with a huge advantage in wet braking, but also leading the way in dry braking and dry handling. The SportContact 7 was almost as fast around the handling track as the Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2... further evidence it might be more suited to the UUHP category!

The Michelin Pilot Sport 4 placed second, with Sport Auto finding it to have direct and precise steering in the dry, not something we've found before, and Pirelli and Falken rounded out the group with the P Zero PZ4 and FK510.

UUHP

The UUHP category was led by the Bridgestone Potenza Sport, with the tester noting the tires felt great but needed a lot of temperature to warm up, something we have noticed in our own testing! The new Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z placed second with low noise and good wet handling, and the Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport finished in third place, with Sport Auto saying the car and tire combination didn't work well.

Track

Nankang AR-1 won the track group on points, but looking at the data the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R (N rated) was the star of dry handling, which is where you want a track tire to excel! The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect couldn't match the other two in dry grip, but did have a significant advantage in the wet, highlighting that this is a track tire with more usability in the real world.

Dry

Continental led the group in dry braking, with the Nankang AR-1 scoring surprisingly well! We can only assume the tires got a little heat into them during braking, even if the other track tires finished in the last two places.

Fortunately for the track tires, dry handling does add a lot of temperature, and Sport Auto adjusted the pressures to 2.4/2.0 bar once hot. Sadly they give their lap data in average speed, not time, however it was written in the article that the track tires were on average three seconds a lap faster than the average UUHP tire. This was tested at Michelins proving ground in France, which means it would be approximately a 70 second lap in the Hyundia I30N test vehicle.

Wet

Continental once again led wet braking, with the UHP Michelin Pilot Sport 4 and Falken FK510, and UUHP Bridgestone Potenza Sport the next group of tires.

Bridgestone was fastest in wet handling, narrowly beating the UHP Pirelli P Zero. Unsurprisingly the track tires struggled, with the Nankang AR1 having a lot of issues with aquaplaning.

Wet circle closely mirrored wet handling.

The two aquaplaning tests really highlighted how much the track tires struggled in deeper water.

Environment

Pirelli had the quietest tire on test.

The Continental SportContact 7 proved you can be good in the wet AND have low rolling resistance, a blend of qualities that's usually difficult to achieve!

The track tires were the most expensive on test, which given the lowest starting tread depth (see below) shows just how expensive track days can be!

Results

Reminder, the tires are grouped as UHP, UUHP and Track, meaning the actual results are:

UHP - Continental Sportcontact 7, Michelin Pilot Sport 4, Pirelli P Zero PZ4, Falken Azenis FK510

UUHP - Bridgestone Potenza Sport, Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z, Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport

Track - Nankang AR-1, Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R (N0), Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 (Connect)

1st: Continental SportContact 7

Continental SportContact 7
  • 235/35 R19 91Y
  • EU Label: C/A/72
  • Weight: 9.38kgs
  • Tread: 6.5mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking1st33.5 M100%
Dry Handling4th133.3 Km/H135 Km/H-1.7 Km/H98.74%
Wet Braking1st27.5 M100%
Wet Handling4th87.7 Km/H90 Km/H-2.3 Km/H97.44%
Wet Circle2nd7.23 m/s7.34 m/s-0.11 m/s98.5%
Straight Aqua2nd69.2 Km/H70 Km/H-0.8 Km/H98.86%
Curved Aquaplaning6th2.1 m/sec22.3 m/sec2-0.2 m/sec291.3%
Noise3rd68.2 dB67.9 dB+0.3 dB99.56%
Price3rd184 139 +45 75.54%
Rolling Resistance1st8.4 kg / t100%
Outstanding braking in wet and dry conditions at everyday road and tire temperatures. Despite small limitations in the sports rating very balanced.
Small deficits in longitudinal aquaplaning and ride comfort.
Outstanding safety reserves in everyday life.

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1st: Nankang AR 1

Nankang AR 1
  • 235/35 R19 91Y
  • EU Label: F/E/72
  • Weight: 11.35kgs
  • Tread: 4.8mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking2nd33.7 M33.5 M+0.2 M99.41%
Dry Handling2nd134.6 Km/H135 Km/H-0.4 Km/H99.7%
Wet Braking10th41.1 M27.5 M+13.6 M66.91%
Wet Handling10th70.6 Km/H90 Km/H-19.4 Km/H78.44%
Wet Circle10th6.1 m/s7.34 m/s-1.24 m/s83.11%
Straight Aqua10th54.3 Km/H70 Km/H-15.7 Km/H77.57%
Curved Aquaplaning10th1.7 m/sec22.3 m/sec2-0.6 m/sec273.91%
Noise9th69.6 dB67.9 dB+1.7 dB97.56%
Price8th230 139 +91 60.43%
Rolling Resistance9th10 kg / t8.4 kg / t+1.6 kg / t84%
Race tire typical, rather soft turn in, high level of grip dependant on temperature, understeer balance which is easy to control.
Critical handling and high aquaplaning in the wet, very loud noise and vibrations.
The slick like Nankang AR-1 is top on track, but nothing for the street, and loud as hell.

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1st: Bridgestone Potenza Sport

Bridgestone Potenza Sport
  • 235/35 R19 91Y
  • EU Label: D/A/72
  • Weight: 10.11kgs
  • Tread: 6.6mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking7th35.7 M33.5 M+2.2 M93.84%
Dry Handling5th133.1 Km/H135 Km/H-1.9 Km/H98.59%
Wet Braking4th30.5 M27.5 M+3 M90.16%
Wet Handling1st90 Km/H100%
Wet Circle1st7.34 m/s100%
Straight Aqua5th69 Km/H70 Km/H-1 Km/H98.57%
Curved Aquaplaning2nd2.29 m/sec22.3 m/sec2-0.01 m/sec299.57%
Noise10th70.4 dB67.9 dB+2.5 dB96.45%
Price5th200 139 +61 69.5%
Rolling Resistance8th9.9 kg / t8.4 kg / t+1.5 kg / t84.85%
Outstanding and safe cornering dynamics on wet and dry routes, combined with surprisingly good aquaplaning prevention. High steering agility and precision.
For every day relevant driving, only moderate braking and grip in the wet and dry.
Precise and uncompromisingly sporty – only safe to drive when the tires are warm.

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2nd: Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R

Pirelli P Zero Trofeo R
  • 235/35 R19 91Y
  • EU Label: D/B/71
  • Weight: 9.65kgs
  • Tread: 5mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking10th36 M33.5 M+2.5 M93.06%
Dry Handling1st135 Km/H100%
Wet Braking9th40 M27.5 M+12.5 M68.75%
Wet Handling9th80.4 Km/H90 Km/H-9.6 Km/H89.33%
Wet Circle9th6.67 m/s7.34 m/s-0.67 m/s90.87%
Straight Aqua9th60.9 Km/H70 Km/H-9.1 Km/H87%
Curved Aquaplaning9th2 m/sec22.3 m/sec2-0.3 m/sec286.96%
Noise8th69.4 dB67.9 dB+1.5 dB97.84%
Price9th240 139 +101 57.92%
Rolling Resistance10th10.2 kg / t8.4 kg / t+1.8 kg / t82.35%
Very precise steering behavior with a high level of lateral support, Wide, confidence-inspiring threshold range, neutral to slightly understeering balance, easily calculable load change reaction, strong traction.
Harder to control in the wet, longer braking distances in the dry, needs temperature to work.
The Porsche OE is a perfect match for the Hyundai test vehicle.

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2nd: Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129

Hankook Ventus S1 Evo Z K129
  • 235/35 R19 91Y
  • EU Label: D/A/72
  • Weight: 9.95kgs
  • Tread: 7mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking7th35.7 M33.5 M+2.2 M93.84%
Dry Handling6th131.2 Km/H135 Km/H-3.8 Km/H97.19%
Wet Braking7th34 M27.5 M+6.5 M80.88%
Wet Handling3rd87.9 Km/H90 Km/H-2.1 Km/H97.67%
Wet Circle6th7.08 m/s7.34 m/s-0.26 m/s96.46%
Straight Aqua2nd69.2 Km/H70 Km/H-0.8 Km/H98.86%
Curved Aquaplaning1st2.3 m/sec2100%
Noise2nd68.1 dB67.9 dB+0.2 dB99.71%
Price2nd182 139 +43 76.37%
Rolling Resistance4th9.5 kg / t8.4 kg / t+1.1 kg / t88.42%
With the exception of the longer braking distances, very safe to drive in the wet thanks to very good aquaplaning precautions. Dynamically sporty, but still not very confidence inspiring handling characteristics.
Poor braking performance, especially in the wet. Only moderate directional stability when braking hard in the dry.
Inexpensive everyday athlete with only small deficits.

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2nd: Michelin Pilot Sport 4

Michelin Pilot Sport 4
  • 235/35 R19 91Y
  • EU Label: C/A/71
  • Weight: 10.43kgs
  • Tread: 6.1mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking4th34.8 M33.5 M+1.3 M96.26%
Dry Handling9th129.8 Km/H135 Km/H-5.2 Km/H96.15%
Wet Braking2nd30 M27.5 M+2.5 M91.67%
Wet Handling6th87.6 Km/H90 Km/H-2.4 Km/H97.33%
Wet Circle4th7.12 m/s7.34 m/s-0.22 m/s97%
Straight Aqua1st70 Km/H100%
Curved Aquaplaning6th2.1 m/sec22.3 m/sec2-0.2 m/sec291.3%
Noise6th68.5 dB67.9 dB+0.6 dB99.12%
Price7th212 139 +73 65.57%
Rolling Resistance2nd8.5 kg / t8.4 kg / t+0.1 kg / t98.82%
Very spontaneous, direct, precise and dynamic on dry roads while still being safe in the wet. Fulfills sporting demands.
Limited in the wet, subjectively quite sensitive to puddles, low self damping.

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3rd: Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport

Goodyear Eagle F1 SuperSport
  • 235/35 R19 91Y
  • EU Label: D/A/72
  • Weight: 9.99kgs
  • Tread: 7.1mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking6th35.5 M33.5 M+2 M94.37%
Dry Handling8th130.4 Km/H135 Km/H-4.6 Km/H96.59%
Wet Braking6th33.5 M27.5 M+6 M82.09%
Wet Handling4th87.7 Km/H90 Km/H-2.3 Km/H97.44%
Wet Circle4th7.12 m/s7.34 m/s-0.22 m/s97%
Straight Aqua6th68.7 Km/H70 Km/H-1.3 Km/H98.14%
Curved Aquaplaning3rd2.2 m/sec22.3 m/sec2-0.1 m/sec295.65%
Noise7th68.8 dB67.9 dB+0.9 dB98.69%
Price4th191 139 +52 72.77%
Rolling Resistance5th9.8 kg / t8.4 kg / t+1.4 kg / t85.71%
With the exception of the longer braking distances and a certain sensitivity to load changes, still balanced performance in the wet. In the dry, the car and tire doesn't work well together.
Weak braking performance in the everyday temperature range, here also stability deficits during quick evasive manoeuvres. Sensitive to load changes in the wet.

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3rd: Pirelli P Zero PZ4

Pirelli P Zero PZ4
  • 235/35 R19 91Y
  • EU Label: C/A/71
  • Weight: 10.37kgs
  • Tread: 7.5mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking3rd34.6 M33.5 M+1.1 M96.82%
Dry Handling7th130.6 Km/H135 Km/H-4.4 Km/H96.74%
Wet Braking5th32.4 M27.5 M+4.9 M84.88%
Wet Handling2nd89.4 Km/H90 Km/H-0.6 Km/H99.33%
Wet Circle3rd7.2 m/s7.34 m/s-0.14 m/s98.09%
Straight Aqua8th65.4 Km/H70 Km/H-4.6 Km/H93.43%
Curved Aquaplaning3rd2.2 m/sec22.3 m/sec2-0.1 m/sec295.65%
Noise1st67.9 dB100%
Price6th202 139 +63 68.81%
Rolling Resistance5th9.8 kg / t8.4 kg / t+1.4 kg / t85.71%
Despite longer baking distances,s thanks to the good handling, neater cornering and very neutral balance. Sporty, safe, fast.
Longer braking distances in the wet, limited cornering strength.

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3rd: Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect

Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 Connect
  • 235/35 R19 91Y
  • EU Label: D/C/70
  • Weight: 10.43kgs
  • Tread: 5.3mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking9th35.8 M33.5 M+2.3 M93.58%
Dry Handling3rd133.7 Km/H135 Km/H-1.3 Km/H99.04%
Wet Braking8th37.5 M27.5 M+10 M73.33%
Wet Handling8th83.4 Km/H90 Km/H-6.6 Km/H92.67%
Wet Circle8th6.93 m/s7.34 m/s-0.41 m/s94.41%
Straight Aqua7th66 Km/H70 Km/H-4 Km/H94.29%
Curved Aquaplaning3rd2.2 m/sec22.3 m/sec2-0.1 m/sec295.65%
Noise3rd68.2 dB67.9 dB+0.3 dB99.56%
Price10th284 139 +145 48.94%
Rolling Resistance3rd9.4 kg / t8.4 kg / t+1 kg / t89.36%
Astonishingly high wet grip potential for a cup tire, but with a very narrow limit range. High precision and very confidence inspiring drivability in the sporty, dynamic speed range.
Longer braking distances in every day temperature ranges, pronounced sensitivity to load changes and severe oversteer in the wet, poor comfort.
Easily manageable track tires.

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4th: Falken Azenis FK510

Falken Azenis FK510
  • 235/35 R19 91Y
  • EU Label: D/A/71
  • Weight: 10.76kgs
  • Tread: 7.4mm
  • 3PMSF: no
Test#ResultBestDifference%
Dry Braking5th35 M33.5 M+1.5 M95.71%
Dry Handling10th126.9 Km/H135 Km/H-8.1 Km/H94%
Wet Braking3rd30.3 M27.5 M+2.8 M90.76%
Wet Handling7th86.9 Km/H90 Km/H-3.1 Km/H96.56%
Wet Circle7th7.03 m/s7.34 m/s-0.31 m/s95.78%
Straight Aqua4th69.1 Km/H70 Km/H-0.9 Km/H98.71%
Curved Aquaplaning6th2.1 m/sec22.3 m/sec2-0.2 m/sec291.3%
Noise3rd68.2 dB67.9 dB+0.3 dB99.56%
Price1st139 100%
Rolling Resistance5th9.8 kg / t8.4 kg / t+1.4 kg / t85.71%
Short braking and safe and easy to control in the wet.
ess sporty and very sluggish in the dry, low steering precision.

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